Harnessing the Power of the Sun for Energy

More than eight and a half years ago, Sean Mullen was an idealistic adventurer in his 20s.

His vision: People should leave the world a better place than the way they found it. His adventure: to do his part in creating a sustainable, energy-independent future.

So in 2004, the plucky, unlikely entrepreneur started Sunetric in his Kailua home, intent on providing Hawaii residents and businesses with the best option in the Islands for achieving energy independence.

Since then, Sunetric has become the largest full-service renewable energy and solar installation company in Hawaii, with more than 180,000 solar panels and 45 megawatts of solar installations statewide. Sunetric now has offices in Washington, D.C., Colorado and Pennsylvania. Sunetric’s portfolio has grown. This year, Hawaii Business magazine listed Sunetric as the state’s top company when it comes to growth. In 2010, the company saw $36 million in sales. in 2011, there were $132 million in sales. Sunetric was also named an Inc. 5000 company in 2012.

The local solar industry has grown, too. Today, Hawaii ranks 10th in the nation in photovoltaic-installed capacity, and Sunetric has captured the lion’s share of the built PV projects in the state. The Solar Energy Industries Association calls Hawaii “an ideal solar market,” and Sunetric has led the charge. The company has all of its certifications and engineers on staff, and boasts a near-perfect customer satisfaction rate.

“This all came about because of educational outreach on the benefits of solar,” said Alex Tiller, Sunetric’s chief executive officer. “Sunetric alone has prevented over 300 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. In 2011, our customers have saved a total of $12.6 million.”

Solar power systems in Hawaii can have a total payback of around three to four years because Hawaii residents pay the highest electricity rates in the nation, at an average of 25.1 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2010. The return may come even sooner. In Hawaii, solar customers pay only 35 percent of the overall installation cost, after a 30 percent federal tax incentive and a 35 percent state tax incentive.

Whatever the future holds, Sean Mullen and Sunetric remain committed to their vision of leaving the world a better place.

To learn more about solar energy and how you can nearly eliminate your high electricity bills, call 262-6600. Staff professionals will be on site from consultation to installation, as well as guiding you through the tax incentives, financing and design.